Carson
58
Review - Datograph VS 5070
Datograph VS 5070
Although having seen the Datograph and the 5070 in person, I never had the opportunity to compare the 2 watches side by side. Until recently, my good friend (JC) had purchased the Datograph, the opportunity arises.
We had arranged for this meeting all week long and finally, we met today on a breezy afternoon at the very delicious Cova caf?.
The Size:
The Datograph measure 39mm. The 5070 measure 42mm.
The difference of 3mm really doesn?t shows. The Datograph had a thicker case and weights heavier than the 5070. The overall appearance of the Datograph seems to be bigger than 39mm. For me, I don?t think the size of these 2 watches is that much of a difference.
The Dial:
Datograph dial is very detail, very nicely done. I find the blue hands very attractive and the raised Roman numeral is very detailed. The only draw back is the legibility.
5070 dial is very clean and simple. I tried to photo the raised Arabic numeral but was unable to do so because of the crystal reflection. I can tell you the Datograph had a much higher raised number. Personally, I find the 5070 dial more attractive.
The Case:
Datograph case is HEAVY! I don?t think I had held another watch that is heavier than the Datograph. JC had brought along the GP World time in S/S. The Datograph feels heavier than the GP (even with its SS bracelet). The finish of the case is of Lange quality.
The PP 5070 case is very polished. I must say, it looks like a mirror on my wrist and I had to be extremely careful when wearing this watch. You?ll see some fingerprint on the watch and I didn?t have a good polishing cloth with me, so I didn?t wipe it with just any tissue/napkin/my t-shirt fearing it would leave scratches on it. The PP Case also makes it prone to dents, just look at the sharp angle of the stepped case/bezel.
I find the Datograph case much easier to live if this were a daily watch.
The Buttons:
You can see both watches has the rectangular chrono buttons. The Datograph had the extra Flyback function that the PP 5070 doesn?t have. Personally, I like the 5070 buttons better. I think the ?feel? of the push action is very important and 5070 gives a much more defined feel than the Datograph.
The Strap & Buckle:
The Deployant buckle comes with the 5070, a standard feature. On the Datograph, its an option, a very expensive option. I think the buckle on the Datograph have much room to improve (mainly in the polishing department). The Datograph strap is a padded leather strap, and because it is very thick, its very HARD. I guess JC will have to wear it for a while to ?break in? the leather. On the 5070, the strap is very soft but not as thick as the Datograph. Both strap had white stitching, which I find very good-looking with the watch. But because of the softer strap, the 5070 sit much nicer on the wrist. I can?t that about the Datograph until the strap breaks in.
The Movement:
Datograph score big in this department. Just look at it, its simply impressive. I don?t think I need to say too much about the Lange Movement here.
The PP 5070 movement is very nice, if you want a 5004 or a 3970 but can?t afford it, then the 5070 should satisfy you with the movement side. They are 100% identical on the movement side (appearance only, of course the 5004/3970 had the additional module for perpetual calendar underneath). The power reserve of the 5070 is 60hrs, which I find useful. The Datograph has a power reserve of about 38hrs (not sure if I am correct here).
The Value:
Looking at the list prices of both watches, I think most of you will agree that the Datograph gives a much better bang for the buck. Big date, Platinum, Flyback Chronograph ~ you?re spending well-deserved money here.
The Patek on the other hand, is less expensive. But it is not in Pt, and doesn?t have all the extra function. If Patek were to make a 5070 in Pt, I can tell you the price will be probably 30 to 40% more expensive than the Datograph. But is it worth the money? You bet. Patek has a certain charisma and mystery that makes people tingle when you hold it in your hand. And as I have posted several times on the forum before, buying the 5070 is more of an experience (hunting, looking, ordering, more hunting). It is much more than just going to a watch shop and buying a watch, Patek makes you work for it (even when you?re paying an exorbitant amount of money).
In conclusion, I feel that both Chronographs live up to their reputation. And if I were to own both, I would get the 5070 first, simply because it is much harder to find. But if I were to have one of them, I may find the Datograph a winner in terms of value (especially if you can find a pre-owned piece). I hope you find this report useful. I am not an expert on watches and you may disagree with some of my comment but I wrote this just for fun, so please don?t take it too seriously. Feel free to email me if you want higher resolution photos. Enjoy!
